STRUCTUAL ANALYSIS (FEA)
Predict the behavior of objects and structures
FEA empowers engineers to analyze and optimize designs
Structural Analysis – FEA (Finite Elements Analysis) is widely used to optimize designs, reduce the need for physical prototypes, and solve problems involving complicated geometries and material properties.
Successful stress, deflection and thermal simulations require models to be set up and interpreted correctly, including quality meshing and realistic assembly contact.
The right analysis
Our breadth of software capabilities and in-house expertise enables us to choose the right analysis approach to match the application, covering:
- Beam
- Shell
- Solid meshing
- Contact modeling
- Handling of static and dynamic loading conditions.
In many cases, these models have to adhere to the requirements of regulatory standards and codes.
Talk to an expert![Composite Ducting Analysis](/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/capabilities_composite_analysis_duxting.png)
Structural Analysis – FEA (Finite Elements Analysis) is widely used to optimize designs, reduce the need for physical prototypes, and solve problems involving complicated geometries and material properties
![Structural Analysis - Thermal](/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/mechatherm_fea_2009_general.jpg)
FEA Consulting Services
We regularly undertake design assessments regarding compliance with regulatory standards and codes, including all types of static, dynamic and buckling simulations for fabrication and assemblies. We also perform the bespoke assessment of designs not in-line with conventional codes and standards.
We have a large consulting team for structural analysis project work and to help our clients expand their FEA capacity and skills at short notice.
Simulation Consulting ServicesHelping operators and equipment manufacturers
Structural analysis projects typically include the identification and risk assessment of failure modes. Common failure modes are mechanical overloading, plastic collapse, localized yielding, or wear. We are familiar with assessing structures to various design codes such as ASME VIII Div. 2, BS EN ISO 3449:2008., DEF STAN 08-123, BR 3021, MIL-STD-810, RTCA DO-160 and DN-RP-F112.
However, we have also investigated other potential causes of failure, such as hydrogen embrittlement and aging, including stress corrosion cracking of stainless steel subsea equipment to DN-RP-F112.
We can predict progressive failure using advanced fracture mechanics capabilities, including application of the Paris Law for aluminium structures.
![Structural Analysis - Stress](/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/flexible_engineered_solutions_oil_gas_2009.jpg)
Mixing simulation
Often structural stress is caused by temperature gradients. Both steady-state and transient thermal analysis have been undertaken using Ansys and other FEA codes.
We have simulated thermal cracking of ceramic refractory tiles due to quenching processes, in addition to thermo-mechanical simulations for a diverse range of products including engine ice protection systems, ceramic catalysts, oil well plug systems and roof tiles. Results have been validated through physical test data and thermal shock tests.
Our structural analysis and fluid dynamics capabilities can be combined to study fluid-structure interaction (FSI) behavior, including both thermal and pressure loading.
![Structural Analysis - Thermal](/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/mechatherm_fea_2009_general.jpg)
Accurately modeling valve closure dynamics
We regularly undertake design assessment for code compliance. We are very familiar with PD5500, Eurocode and ASME VIII & ASME V Design by Analysis for pressure vessel and related equipment, including stress linearisation. We also undertake the bespoke assessment of designs not in-line with conventional codes and standards.
We also run a popular software-neutral Design By Analysis training course to help engineers meet the requirements of ASME VIII Div. 2 using Finite Element Analysis (FEA).
![Stress Linearisation](/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/design-by-analysis-stress-linearisation.png)
![Structural Analysis - Buckling](/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/Baker-Perkins-Fig.-1-Mesh-for-FEA-287x300-1.png)
Improving pedestrian comfort and safety
We support both implicit and explicit dynamic analysis with Ansys Mechanical and Ansys LS-DYNA, in addition to kinematic (rigid body) simulations, to extract dynamic loads from reciprocating machinery. Natural frequency (modal), harmonic, response spectrum and random vibration applications are common to understand how a system performs relative to its critical frequencies.
Projects range from automotive after treatment systems, fuel oil coolers, nuclear gloveboxes to gas holders. Sources of dynamic loads vary widely, from gas pulsations within internal baffles and rotating equipment to road vibrations and seismic events.
Through our long-term relationship with the off-road vehicle industry, we are highly experienced in transient dynamic analysis such as the assessment of falling object protective structures (FOPS) to BS EN ISO 3449:2008. Impact or blast simulations have included mobile phone drop tests to regulatory requirements and explosion-resistant safety enclosures for ATEX certification, together with shock testing for marine applications to recognised standards such as BV 0430.
![Drop Test Analysis](/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/capabilities_structural_mechanics_impact_mobile_phone.jpg)
Fluid-Structure Interaction (FSI) analysis
A major consideration for many load-bearing structures, we predict buckling-capacity safety-factors using both linear and non-linear approaches. Some examples of recent projects include offshore fabricated towers, railway masts, bridges and outdoor storage tanks subject to variable wind loading.
![Structural Analysis - Buckling](/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/capability-structural-mechanics-motherwell-bridge-768x423-1.png)
Fluid-Structure Interaction (FSI) analysis
Fatigue life prediction of structures and systems has been one of our most common applications over three decades, correlating results with physical test data where it is available. Whether the excitations are static or dynamic, regular or completely random, we ensure designs meet their requirements for safe-life or damage-tolerant design.
We have experience in fatigue life predictions within many industries, from mixing vessels and ship-based rotating equipment to speciality bridges subject to multiple crossings, applying relevant codes such as Eurocode, PD5500 and DNV CN30-7.
![Structural Analysis - Fatigue](/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/capabilities-fatigue-analysis-fea-structural-mechanics.jpg.png)
Fluid-Structure Interaction (FSI) analysis
In addition to ‘linear’ metallic materials, we are also very familiar with hyperelastic and creep modeling of polymers and rubbers for seals, housings, and other products.
We can translate complex non-linear behavior into efficient material models suitable for FEA. This includes the project management of material physical tests and development & validation of constitutive models to implement within our clients’ analysis software.
We have significant experience handling large deformation problems involving extensive contact and rigid body motion, covering nuclear, aerospace, automotive, electronic, and consumer products, among other industries. Some of these applications exploit our complementary capabilities to model metal-forming processes.
With specialized skills in the analysis of GRP, sandwich, honeycomb, and other anisotropic composite materials, we have undertaken a range of projects in aerospace and other industries requiring strong, lightweight structures.
Our structural polymer capabilities are also supported by our injection molding simulation experience.
![Composite Ducting Analysis](/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/capabilities_composite_analysis_duxting.png)
Customer stories – Structural Analysis (FEA)
Read all customer stories – SimulationTalk to us
Our team is on hand to answer your questions.
Complete the form and we will be in touch as soon as possible, or give us a call!
Contact